Bicycle saddle

ABSTRACT

A bicycle saddle includes: a base structure having a top portion; and a cushion coupled to the top portion of the base structure, the cushion including a first lateral side and a second lateral side separated by a longitudinal plane, wherein each of the first lateral side and the second lateral side includes: a first region having a first stiffness; a second region having a second stiffness that is less than the first stiffness; and a third region having a third stiffness that is less than the second stiffness, wherein a perimeter of the second region is at least 75% enclosed within the first region, and wherein a perimeter of the third region is at least 75% enclosed within the second region.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent App. No.62/877,200, filed Jul. 22, 2019, titled BICYCLE SADDLE, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to bicycles and, in particular, bicyclesaddles.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNOLOGY

Bicycle seats, or saddles, are designed to support much of the weight ofa bicycle rider. Due to the relatively small surface area of a bicyclesaddle, a significant amount of pressure can be applied to a small areaof the rider's body, leading to discomfort over time. Particularly forextended rides, discomfort can arise when a significant amount of forceis being continually applied to a rider's ischial tuberosities (“sitbones”).

SUMMARY

The systems, methods, and devices described herein have innovativeaspects, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsiblefor their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of theclaims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized.

The present disclosure includes improved bicycle saddles thatincorporate multiple strategically sized and positioned stiffnessregions, to more evenly distribute loads on and around a rider's sitbones. Such saddles can enable a more comfortable ride, which can alsolead to increased performance, particularly on extended rides. Forexample, in some embodiments, a bicycle saddle comprises at least threenested stiffness regions on either lateral side of the saddle. Thenested stiffness regions comprise at least an innermost region having arelatively low stiffness, a region surrounding the innermost region thathas a somewhat higher stiffness, and another region surrounding thesecond region that has an even higher stiffness. The innermost regioncan be positioned at a point on the saddle that would generallyexperience the highest pressure from a rider's sit bones. Such aconfiguration can help to provide more consistent pressure around therider's sit bones, as opposed to putting point loads on the sit bones,which can lead to decreased discomfort over time.

According to some embodiments, a bicycle saddle comprises: a basestructure comprising a top portion and a first rail and a second railthat support the top portion, wherein each of the first rail and thesecond rail comprises a mounting portion configured to be coupled to asaddle receiver, the mounting portion extending along a rail axis, therail axis of the first rail and the rail axis of the second raildefining a lateral plane that contains both the rail axis of the firstrail and the rail axis of the second rail and a longitudinal plane thatis perpendicular to the lateral plane and centered between the rail axisof the first rail and the rail axis of the second rail; and a cushioncoupled to the top portion of the base structure, the cushion comprisinga nose portion and a rear portion, the cushion further comprising afirst lateral side and a second lateral side separated by thelongitudinal plane, wherein each of the first lateral side and thesecond lateral side comprises: a first region comprising a firststiffness; a second region comprising a second stiffness that is lessthan or equal to 75% of the first stiffness, but greater than 50% of thefirst stiffness; and a third region comprising a third stiffness that isless than or equal to 50% of the first stiffness, wherein, when a topsurface of the cushion is projected as a two-dimensional projection ontoa plane above the cushion that is parallel to the lateral plane, thefirst region, the second region, and the third region of each of thefirst lateral side and the second lateral side is configured such that:a perimeter of the second region is at least 75% enclosed within thefirst region, a perimeter of the third region is at least 75% enclosedwithin the second region, a centroid of the second region is positionedlongitudinally between a first line that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal plane and intersects a widest point of the rear portion ofthe cushion, and a second line that is perpendicular to the longitudinalplane and positioned halfway between the first line and a forward-mostpoint of the nose portion of the cushion, the centroid of the secondregion is positioned laterally between a third line that is parallel tothe longitudinal plane and a fourth line that is parallel to thelongitudinal plane, wherein each of the third line and the fourth linepasses through the first region, the third line being spaced apart fromthe longitudinal plane by a distance that is 15% of a distance from thelongitudinal plane to the widest point of the rear portion of thecushion, the fourth line being spaced apart from the longitudinal planeby a distance that is 70% of the distance from the longitudinal plane tothe widest point of the rear portion of the cushion, a centroid of thethird region is positioned longitudinally between the first line and afifth line that is positioned between the first line and the secondline, the fifth line being spaced apart from the first line by adistance that is 45% of a distance from the first line to theforward-most point of the nose portion of the cushion, the centroid ofthe third region is positioned laterally between a sixth line that isparallel to the longitudinal plane and the fourth line, wherein thesixth line passes through the first region and is spaced apart from thelongitudinal plane by a distance that is 10% of the distance from thelongitudinal plane to the widest point of the rear portion of thecushion, the perimeter of the third region encloses a first surfacearea, the perimeter of the second region encloses a second surface area,wherein a size of the second surface area, minus a size of the firstsurface area, is between 1,000 mm² and 10,000 mm², and wherein the sizeof the first surface area is between 25% and 75% of the size of thesecond surface area.

In some embodiments, the cushion is an assembly that comprises separateresilient materials having different stiffness properties for the firstregion, the second region, and the third region. In some embodiments,each of the separate resilient materials comprises a foam. In someembodiments, the first region, the second region, and the third regionare part of a single integrally formed structure, the single integrallyformed structure comprising different stiffness properties in the firstregion, the second region, and the third region. In some embodiments, ashape of the perimeter of the second region comprises a maximum lengthand widths including a maximum width, with the maximum length beinggreater than the maximum width, and with the widths tapering from alarger value to a smaller value from a rearward portion of the secondregion to a forward portion of the second region. In some embodiments, ashape of the perimeter of the third region comprises a maximum lengthand widths including a maximum width, with the maximum length beinggreater than the maximum width, and with the widths tapering from alarger value to a smaller value from a rearward portion of the thirdregion to a forward portion of the third region. In some embodiments,the perimeter of the second region is completely enclosed within thefirst region. In some embodiments, the perimeter of the third region iscompletely enclosed within the second region. In some embodiments, thefirst stiffness is within a range of 50-70 on the Asker C hardnessscale. In some embodiments, when the top surface of the cushion isprojected as the two-dimensional projection onto the plane above thecushion that is parallel to the lateral plane, a surface area of thefirst region consists of any portion of the top surface that is not partof the second region, that is not part of the third region, and that isbounded by a perimeter defined by multiple segments comprising: a firstsegment that begins at a point where the second line intersects thelongitudinal plane and ends at a point where the second line intersectsan outer edge of the cushion, the first segment being collinear to thesecond line; a second segment that begins at the point where the secondline intersects the outer edge of the cushion, follows a profile of theouter edge of the cushion, and ends at a point where the outer edge ofthe cushion intersects the longitudinal plane; and a third segment thatbegins at the point where the outer edge of the cushion intersects thelongitudinal plane, ends at the point where the second line intersectsthe longitudinal plane, the third segment being coincident to thelongitudinal plane. In some embodiments, the cushion comprises one ormore recessed regions that are recessed below the top surface of thecushion and that are not part of the surface area of the first region.In some embodiments, each of the first stiffness, the second stiffness,and the third stiffness is defined as an average stiffness as measurednormal to the top surface of the cushion at uniformly spaced locationsacross a corresponding region of the first region, the second region,and the third region, using a durometer having a 0.508 centimeterspherical diameter indenter. In some embodiments, adjacent uniformlyspaced locations of the uniformly spaced locations are located 10millimeters apart from each other. In some embodiments, when the topsurface of the cushion is projected as the two-dimensional projectiononto the plane above the cushion that is parallel to the lateral plane,each of the first lateral side and the second lateral side furthercomprises: a first transition zone having an outer perimeter and aninner perimeter defined by offsetting the perimeter of the second regionoutward by 5 millimeters and inward by 5 millimeters; and a secondtransition zone having an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter definedby offsetting the perimeter of the third region outward by 5 millimetersand inward by 5 millimeters, wherein each of the second stiffness andthe third stiffness is defined as an average stiffness as measurednormal to the top surface of the cushion at uniformly spaced locationsacross a corresponding region of the second region and the third region,excluding any transition zones, using a durometer having a 0.508centimeter spherical diameter indenter. In some embodiments, adjacentuniformly spaced location of the uniformly spaced locations are located10 millimeters apart from each other. In some embodiments, the perimeterof the second region and the perimeter of the third region both arelocated rearward of the nose portion of the cushion, wherein a rearmostextent of the nose portion is defined by the second line. In someembodiments, an effective width of the third region is within a range of40%-70% of an effective width of the second region. In some embodiments,an effective width of the second region is within a range of 20%-50% ofan effective width of the first region.

According to some embodiments, a bicycle saddle comprises: a basestructure comprising a top portion; and a cushion coupled to the topportion of the base structure, the cushion comprising a nose portion, arear portion, and a longitudinal plane positioned at a lateral midpointof a widest point of the cushion, the longitudinal plane extending froma rear of the rear portion to a front of the nose portion, wherein thecushion further comprises a first lateral side and a second lateral sideseparated by the longitudinal plane, wherein each of the first lateralside and the second lateral side comprises: a first region comprising afirst stiffness; a second region comprising a second stiffness that isless than the first stiffness; and a third region comprising a thirdstiffness that is less than the second stiffness, wherein, when a topsurface of the cushion is projected as a two-dimensional projection ontoa lateral plane, the first region, second region, and third region ofeach of the first lateral side and the second lateral side areconfigured such that: a perimeter of the second region is at least 75%enclosed within the first region, and a perimeter of the third region isat least 75% enclosed within the second region, and wherein the lateralplane is perpendicular to the longitudinal plane, and the lateral planeis oriented such that one of: the lateral plane is coincident with ahighest point of the nose portion of the cushion and a highest point ofthe rear portion of the cushion, or the lateral plane is parallel to tworail axes, each of the two rail axes being defined by a mounting portionof a rail that supports the top portion of the base structure.

In some embodiments, the second stiffness of the second region is nogreater than 75% of the first stiffness of the first region. In someembodiments, the third stiffness of the third region is no greater than50% of the first stiffness of the first region. In some embodiments, asurface area of a top surface of the third region is between 25% and 75%of a surface area of a top surface of the second region. In someembodiments, the perimeter of the second region extends no furtherforward than half a longitudinal distance between the widest point ofthe cushion and the front of the nose portion.

According to some embodiments, a bicycle saddle comprises: a basestructure comprising a top portion; and a cushion coupled to the topportion of the base structure, the cushion comprising a nose portion anda rear portion, the cushion further comprising a first lateral side anda second lateral side separated by a longitudinal plane defined by aplane of symmetry between the first lateral side and the second lateralside, wherein a lateral plane is defined as a plane that isperpendicular to the longitudinal plane and oriented such that thelateral plane is coincident with a highest point of the nose portion ofthe cushion and a highest point of the rear portion of the cushion,wherein each of the first lateral side and the second lateral sidecomprises: a first region comprising a first stiffness; a second regioncomprising a second stiffness that is less than or equal to 75% of thefirst stiffness, but greater than 50% of the first stiffness; and athird region comprising a third stiffness that is less than or equal to50% of the first stiffness, wherein, when a top surface of the cushionis projected as a two-dimensional projection onto the lateral plane, thefirst region, second region, and third region of each of the firstlateral side and the second lateral side is configured such that: aperimeter of the second region is at least 75% enclosed within the firstregion, a perimeter of the third region is at least 75% enclosed withinthe second region, a centroid of the second region is positionedlongitudinally between a first line that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal plane and intersects a widest point of the rear portion ofthe cushion, and a second line that is perpendicular to the longitudinalplane and positioned halfway between the first line and a forward-mostpoint of the nose portion of the cushion, the centroid of the secondregion is positioned laterally between a third line that is parallel tothe longitudinal plane and a fourth line that is parallel to thelongitudinal plane, wherein each of the third line and the fourth linepasses through the first region, the third line being spaced apart fromthe longitudinal plane by a distance that is 15% of a distance from thelongitudinal plane to the widest point of the rear portion of thecushion, the fourth line being spaced apart from the longitudinal planeby a distance that is 70% of the distance from the longitudinal plane tothe widest point of the rear portion of the cushion, a centroid of thethird region is positioned longitudinally between the first line and afifth line that is positioned between the first line and the secondline, the fifth line being spaced apart from the first line by adistance that is 45% of a distance from the first line to theforward-most point of the nose portion of the cushion, the centroid ofthe third region is positioned laterally between a sixth line that isparallel to the longitudinal plane and the fourth line, wherein thesixth line passes through the first region and is spaced apart from thelongitudinal plane by a distance that is 10% of the distance from thelongitudinal plane to the widest point of the rear portion of thecushion, the perimeter of the third region encloses a first surfacearea, the perimeter of the second region encloses a second surface area,wherein a size of the second surface area, minus a size of the firstsurface area, is between 1,000 mm² and 10,000 mm², and wherein the sizeof the first surface area is between 25% and 75% of the size of thesecond surface area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned aspects, as well as other features, aspects, andadvantages of the present technology will now be described in connectionwith various embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings.The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples and are notintended to be limiting. Like reference numbers and designations in thevarious drawings indicate like elements.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a bicyclesaddle cushion and base.

FIG. 2 is a top view of one embodiment of an assembled saddle.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of the saddle base of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom view of the saddle base of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the saddle base of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3D illustrates a side view of the saddle base of FIG. 1, with acushion connected thereto.

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of the saddle cushion of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B illustrates a back view of the saddle cushion of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4C illustrates a front view of the saddle cushion of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4D illustrates a side view of the saddle cushion of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a bicycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the present disclosure. Theillustrative embodiments described in the detailed description,drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments maybe utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from thespirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readilyunderstood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generallydescribed herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged,substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and form partof this disclosure. For example, a system or device may be implementedor a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forthherein. In addition, such a system or device may be implemented or sucha method may be practiced using other structure, functionality, orstructure and functionality in addition to or other than one or more ofthe aspects set forth herein. Alterations and further modifications ofthe inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applicationsof the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which wouldoccur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of thisdisclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.Descriptions of unnecessary parts or elements may be omitted for clarityand conciseness, and like reference numerals refer to like elementsthroughout. In the drawings, the size and thickness of layers andregions may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience.

Bicycle ergonomics is becoming increasingly important as more people getinto cycling for pleasure, competition, and/or transportation. Oneimportant aspect of bicycle ergonomics is the saddle, which supports asignificant portion of a rider's weight in a relatively small surfacearea. Conventional wisdom has been that you can achieve a morecomfortable ride and mitigate or prevent rider injury by moving supportin the saddle to the sit bones and away from the tailbone and softtissue. For example, moving support in the saddle to the sit bones canmitigate or prevent pain of the rider's coccyx (“tailbone”) and/orocclusion of the rider's circulatory system at the perineum. However,through testing it has been discovered that putting point loads on thesit bones can still result in discomfort over time, and that a betterresult can be achieved by distributing the loads on and around the sitbones over regions of varying stiffness. The present disclosurediscloses various embodiments of bicycle saddles that accomplish suchbetter-distributed loading.

In some embodiments, a bicycle saddle comprises a cushion with eachlateral side having a plurality of nested stiffness regions each havinga different stiffness level. For example, a first stiffness region mayenclose a second stiffness region, and the second stiffness region mayenclose a third stiffness region. The first stiffness region may have acertain stiffness, with the second stiffness region having a lowerstiffness, and the third stiffness region having an even lowerstiffness. The third stiffness region can, for example, be positionedsuch that it will be directly underneath a rider's ischial tuberosity(“sit bone”). By having the third region surrounded by regions ofincreasing stiffness, the user's sit bone can be more comfortablysupported.

Various embodiments implement such multiple stiffness regions usingvarious methods. For example, a saddle cushion may comprise resilientmaterials, such as foam and/or rubber, and different resilient materialshaving a different stiffness level can be used for each distinctstiffness region. As one example, a majority of the saddle cushion maycomprise a resilient material A having a first stiffness, with thatmaterial formed into a general shape of the saddle, but with a void oneither lateral side for insertion of other regions. Another resilientmaterial B may have a lower stiffness than the first stiffness and besized to fit within the void of resilient material A. Further, theresilient material B may have a void that has positioned therein aresilient material C that has an even lower stiffness than resilientmaterial B. Such resilient materials A, B, and C may, for example, beused to form Regions A, B, and C of the saddle shown in FIG. 2, insteadof the 3-D lattice structure discussed in greater detail below.

As another example, some embodiments may implement the varying stiffnessregions in a monolithic cushion. In some embodiments, the monolithiccushion may be produced using 3-D printing technologies. For example, abicycle saddle cushion may be produced as a single monolithic componentthat comprises a 3-D lattice structure, with specific properties of the3-D lattice structure varied in certain regions in order to result indifferences in stiffnesses in those regions. The 3-D lattice structuremay comprise an elastomeric material in order to form a resilientstructure.

In some embodiments, the size, shape, and/or position of the variousstiffness regions can be set such that they maximize comfort for amajority of riders. In some embodiments, the size, shape, and/orposition of the various stiffness regions can be custom made for aspecific rider's anatomy.

As used herein with respect to the stiffness regions, the terms “nested”and “enclosed,” when used without a qualifier such as “partially” and/ora certain percentage, mean that, as viewed from above as atwo-dimensional projection onto a plane (e.g., as in FIG. 2), the outerperimeter of one stiffness region is completely within an area definedby the outer perimeter of another stiffness region. In some embodiments,as further described below, a region may be described as only partiallyenclosed or partially nested within another region. Such usage meansthat a first portion of a first region's perimeter is coincident with aportion of a second region's perimeter, and a second portion of thefirst region's perimeter is not coincident with the second region'sperimeter. For example, a first region that is described as 75% enclosedwithin a second region means that, as viewed from above as atwo-dimensional projection onto a plane (e.g., as in FIG. 2), 75% of theouter perimeter of the first stiffness region is coincident with theouter perimeter of the second stiffness region, and the other 25% of theouter perimeter of the first stiffness region is not coincident with theouter perimeter of the second stiffness region. As discussed below, ifthere is a transition zone between two stiffness regions, then theregions' perimeters can be considered to be located at a middle of thetransition zone (e.g., positioned such that distances from the perimeterto the edge of the transition zone on either side of the perimeter,measured perpendicular to a line tangent to the perimeter, are equal).

Bicycle Saddle

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an example embodiment of a bicycle saddle 100, andcomponents thereof. The saddle 100 comprises multiple stiffness regions,and can be designed to increase the comfort and/or prevent injury of abicycle rider. FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of two components ofthe saddle 100, namely a cushion 102 and a base structure 104. The basestructure 104 can comprise a pair of rails 108 that support a topportion 106. The pair of rails 108 can be configured to be coupled to abicycle, such as, for example, at a bicycle receiver (e.g., a saddlepost). The cushion 102 can be conformed to and connected to the topportion 106. In some embodiments, a covering may then be positioned overthe cushion 102 and at least a portion of the top portion 106. In someembodiments, a covering may not be used. The top portion 106 of the basestructure 104 further comprises a void 107 that can be covered by amembrane (but may not be covered by a membrane in some embodiments). Thevoid 107 may be positioned generally beneath the recessed region 114 ofthe cushion 102.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of saddle 100, with the cushion 102conformed to and coupled to the base 104. For clarity in showing thedetails of the stiffness regions, some other details of the cushion 102that can be seen in other figures are not shown in FIG. 2, such asdetails of the holes 402 and lattice structure in the recessed regions114, 116. In some embodiments, the top portion 106 of the base 104comprises a rigid or relatively rigid material, such as a polymer,carbon fiber, metal, and/or the like. The cushion 102, on the otherhand, can comprise a resilient material, such as rubber, foam,elastomeric material, and/or the like. In the various figures providedherewith that illustrate the cushion 102 as a separate component, thecushion 102 is shown in an unassembled state, where the bottom surfaceof the cushion 102 is substantially flat. Once the cushion 102 isassembled to the base 104, however, the cushion 102 can be formed to acontour of the top portion 106 of the base 104. Accordingly, it may benoted that the general outer profile of the assembled saddle 100 shownin FIG. 2 is somewhat different than the general outer profile of theunassembled cushion 102 illustrated in FIG. 4A and other figures.

The top view of FIG. 2 is oriented normal to lateral plane 113 shown inFIG. 3C. FIG. 2 also illustrates a two-dimensional coordinate system.The x-axis is positioned at a lateral center of the saddle 100, such asat a line of symmetry between left lateral side 110 and right lateralside 112 (e.g., at the midpoint of the saddle width W). The x-axis alsodefines a longitudinal plane 111 (also shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C), whichis a plane that contains the x-axis and is oriented perpendicular to thelateral plane 113. The y-axis is positioned perpendicular to the x-axisand positioned longitudinally at the widest part of the saddle 100(e.g., the part of the saddle that defines the saddle width W).

In some embodiments, the convex lateral profile of the rear portion ofthe saddle 100 allows for a single widest point that defines thepositioning of the y-axis. In other embodiments, a saddle that comprisesa flat or concave portion at the widest portion of the saddle can beimplemented, and the y-axis can be positioned at the longitudinalmidpoint of that flat or concave portion. In such an embodiment, for thepurposes of this specification, the “widest point” of the rear portionof the saddle is defined as the longitudinal midpoint of the flat orconcave portion, and any disclosure and/or claims that reference a“widest point” of the rear portion of the saddle are intended to coversuch a saddle configuration, unless stated otherwise.

The saddle 100 comprises a nose portion 118 and a rear portion 120. Therear portion 120 is defined as the portion of the saddle rearward of they-axis, and the portion of the saddle forward of the y-axis up to line119. The nose portion 118 is defined as the portion of the saddle thatis forward of line 119. Line 119 is oriented parallel to the y-axis andpositioned halfway between the y-axis and a forward-most point of thesaddle (e.g., shown by dimension L1/2).

The saddle 100 further comprises a left lateral side 110 and a rightlateral side 112, separated by the longitudinal plane 111. The saddle100 may further comprise one or more recessed regions 114, 116 that arecan be recessed below other areas of the top surface of the saddle 100,such that the recessed areas or regions can support little or no riderweight. In some embodiments, one or more of the recessed regions may bea void completely through the saddle, instead of merely a portionrecessed below surrounding portions of the saddle. Further, in someembodiments, some or all of the recessed regions may not be present. Insome embodiments, the recessed region or regions can be shaped andpositioned such that they are mirrored across the longitudinal plane111. In some embodiments, the recessed region or regions comprise acentroid that is within 5 millimeters (mm) of the longitudinal plane111. In some embodiments, the recessed region or regions comprise acentroid that is within 2% of the distance W/2 from the longitudinalplane 111.

The saddle 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 further comprises a variety ofstiffness regions, which are described in further detail below.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate various views of the base portion 104 of thesaddle 100. FIG. 3A is a top view, and FIG. 3B is a bottom view. FIG. 3Billustrates that the rails 108 each comprise a mounting portion 111 thatcan comprise an elongate cylindrical structure for mounting to acomponent of a bicycle saddle post. The mounting portions 111 can eachdefine a rail axis 109 extending along the mounting portions 111, asshown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the base portion 104. FIG. 3C furtherillustrates a lateral plane 113 defined as a plane that contains bothrail axes 109. The lateral plane 113 is used to orient the top viewshown in FIG. 2. Stated another way, the top view of the assembledsaddle 100 shown in FIG. 2 is viewed normal to lateral plane 113 of FIG.3C.

FIG. 3D illustrates an alternative lateral plane 115 that could be usedto orient a top view similar to FIG. 2. In this drawing, the lateralplane 115 is defined as a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinalplane of the saddle (such as longitudinal plane 111 shown in FIG. 2),and that contacts the highest point 130 of the nose portion 118 and thehighest point 132 of the rear portion 120. Although the descriptionbelow of the various sizes and positions of stiffness regions is givenwith respect to FIG. 2, which is oriented normal to lateral plane 113 ofFIG. 3C, the various sizes and positions of the stiffness regions canalso be applied to a drawing similar to FIG. 2, but oriented normal tolateral plane 115. Such an alternative view can be desirable, forexample, if a multiple stiffness saddle similar to the designs disclosedherein is created, but uses a different type of saddle mountingmechanism than the saddle rails 108.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate various views of the cushion 102. As discussedabove, the shape of the cushion 102 illustrated in these figures is theunassembled shape, and the final assembled shape of the cushion 102 willbe different when the cushion 102 is conformed to the top portion 106 ofthe saddle base 104. FIG. 4A is a top view, FIG. 4B is a back view, FIG.4C is a front view, and FIG. 4D is a side view.

With reference to the top view of FIG. 4A, the cushion 102 comprises aplurality of holes or voids 402 in the top surfaces. Additional holesare voids may also be present in other surfaces, such as the bottomsurface. In some embodiments, when the cushion 102 is manufactured usinga 3-D printing process, these holes or voids 402 may be a remnant fromthe manufacturing process, such as holes used for draining resin duringthe 3-D printing process. In some embodiments, some or all of theseholes or voids 402 may not be present.

Each of FIGS. 4A-4D illustrates some of the three dimensional latticestructures that contribute to the different stiffness regions in thesaddle 100. The lattice structure can comprise a plurality of struts 420that are arranged in a variety of directions to form a plurality ofinterconnected cells. The stiffness of particular regions of the cushion102 may be determined by the specific size, shape, orientation, spacing,and/or the like of the plurality of struts 420. In some embodiments, thedifference in stiffness between two regions can be determined by adifference in diameter of struts 420 in those regions.

In some embodiments, the specific three dimensional lattice structure ofthe cushion 102 is automatically computer-generated based on the desiredproperties of the cushion. For example, a designer of the saddle cushion102 may determine that the desired properties for the stiffness regionsare as described in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 2. Oncethe designer knows the desired end result, the designer may input suchinformation into the computer system that automatically generates athree dimensional lattice structure that complies with the desired endresult. Additional information about such three dimensional latticestructure and three-dimensional printing technology is described below.

As mentioned above, although the illustrated embodiment of a cushion 102comprises multiple stiffness regions defined by the properties of athree dimensional lattice structure of a single integrated cushion,other embodiments may implement similar stiffness regions using moretraditional manufacturing techniques, such as connecting togethervarious pieces of rubber and/or foam having different levels ofstiffness.

Stiffness Regions

Returning to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 further illustrates a plurality of stiffnessregions that can be configured to comfortably support a rider's sitbones without placing a significant point load on the rider's sit bones.For clarity, all dimensions, perimeters, regions, shapes, and the likedescribed with respect to FIG. 2 are described in reference to atwo-dimensional projection of the top surface of the saddle 100projected upward to a plane that is parallel to the lateral plane 113shown in FIG. 3C. If a different lateral plane is used, such as thelateral plane 115 of FIG. 3-D, then the two-dimensional projection is tothat plane, or another plane parallel with that plane. Also, forclarity, the drawing and discussion focus on features of the leftlateral side 110 of the saddle 100. In some embodiments, the samefeatures of the left lateral side 110 are mirrored across thelongitudinal plane 111 on the right lateral side 112.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, three different stiffness regions arecalled out, namely region A (121), region B (123), and region C (125).In some embodiments, region C is enclosed within region B, and region Bis enclosed within region A. Further, in some embodiments, region Ccomprises a lower stiffness and region B, and region B comprises a lowerstiffness than region A. Other stiffness regions may also be included insome embodiments.

Region C comprises an outer perimeter 126 that can be positioned withinthe outer perimeter 124 of region B. Further, the outer perimeter 124 ofregion B can be positioned within the outer perimeter 122 of region A.The saddle is not limited to only the three stiffness regions discussed,and some embodiments may include additional stiffness regions. Forexample, in some embodiments, the surface area encompassed by theperimeter 124 of region B may include more than two stiffness regions,such as three, four, or five stiffness regions. Further, the surfacearea encompassed by the perimeter 122 of region A may comprise one ormore different stiffness regions in areas other than the surface areaencompassed by the perimeter 124 of region B. Further, the nose portion118 may comprise the same stiffness as region A or may have a differentstiffness than region A.

As is shown in FIG. 2, the perimeter 122 of region A does not includeany of the recessed regions 114, 116. In embodiments that do not haverecessed regions 114, 116 (or similar recessed regions), the perimeterof region A is considered to extend to the x-axis. For example, line 119that defines the forwardmost portion of perimeter 122 would extenddownward to the x-axis, the rearmost portion of perimeter 122 wouldfollow the outer perimeter of the cushion downward until it meets thex-axis, and the perimeter 122 would include the portion of the x-axisthat is between line 119 and the point where the x-axis intersects therear edge of the cushion.

Although the embodiment of FIG. 2 is shown having region C completelyenclosed within region B, and region B completely enclosed within regionA, other embodiments may have one or more of the regions only partiallyenclosed within another region. For example, with reference to theorientation of FIG. 2, if region C were rotated clockwise about centroidCc somewhat (such as 45 degrees), the lower right end of the perimeter126 would pass through and extend beyond the currently shown perimeter124 of region B. In such a case, region B's perimeter 124 would nolonger be the illustrated teardrop shape. Rather, for the portion ofregion C that remains within the currently shown teardrop shape ofperimeter 124, the perimeter of region B would be coincident with regionC's perimeter. For the portion of region C that extends outward beyondthe currently shown teardrop shape of perimeter 124, region C'sperimeter would not be coincident with region B's perimeter. If theportion of region C's perimeter that remains within the currently shownteardrop shape of perimeter 124 were 75% of the total perimeter ofregion C, then region C would be considered to be 75% enclosed by regionB. A similar configuration could arise with respect to regions B and Aif, for example, region B were moved or shaped differently such that aportion of region B's perimeter 124 extends beyond the currently shownperimeter 122 of region A. In an embodiment where a region is notcompletely enclosed within another region, the extent to which oneregion is enclosed by another region is defined as the percentage of thepartially enclosed region's perimeter that is coincident with theperimeter of the enclosing region. For example, in some embodiments, onestiffness region (such as region B and/or C) is at least 95%, 90%, 85%,80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, or 50% enclosed within another region.

For clarity, although FIG. 2 illustrates distinct perimeters 122, 124,and 126 of the three regions, such perimeters may or may not be visibleto an end user of the saddle. For example, in some embodiments, agraphic on the cushion (or a cover over the cushion) may indicate ageneral size, shape, and location of, for example, region B, althoughsuch graphics are not required. Further, although the perimeters 122,124, 126 are illustrated as lines, the transition in stiffness from oneregion to another may not be a sharp change that occurs exactly at theperimeter line. For example, in a composite structure that forms thevarious regions using different pieces of resilient material that areconnected together, the transition in stiffness between the variousregions may be relatively sharp. In a three dimensional latticestructure as described herein, however, the transition in stiffnessbetween the various zones may be more gradual. Having a more gradualtransition in stiffness between the various zones can be desirable,because it can lead to a more comfortable saddle that is less likely topresent point loading issues. Additionally, even if the latticestructure were visible in FIG. 2 (e.g., if the top surface weretransparent), the perimeters of the various stiffness regions may not beapparent from looking at the lattice structure. This is because thevarying stiffness may be set by small changes in lattice strut diameterin the different regions.

To account for the more gradual transition in stiffness between thevarious zones, FIG. 2 further illustrates transition zones 131, 133, and135. The stiffness of each of the regions A, B, and C is defined as theaverage stiffness of each region determined using a durometer orientednormal to the surface of the saddle, with readings taken at equallyspaced intervals, but excluding any measurements taken within thetransition zones 131, 133, 135. The size and shape of the transitionzones may be defined as, for example, an area created by offsetting theperimeters 122, 124, 126 by a specific amount in a directionperpendicular to a tangent of the perimeter. For example, the offset maybe 5 mm. As another example, the offset may be one, two, three, four,six, seven, eight, nine, or 10 mm. In some embodiments, such as anembodiment that has sharp transitions in stiffness, the offset may be 0mm, essentially meaning there are no transition zones. When using thedesignated offset, such as a 5 mm offset, the offset from region A'sperimeter 122 would be only inwardly, while the offset from region B'sand C's perimeters 124, 126 would be both inwardly and outwardly.Accordingly, a width of transition zone 131 would be 5 mm, while a widthof transition zones 133 and 135 would be 10 mm. In some embodiments, thewidths of the various transition zones are different from one another.For example, region A's outer perimeter may not have a transition zone(i.e. a width of 0), the transition zone 133 between regions A and B maybe a first width, and the transition zone 135 between regions B and Cmay be a second width that is smaller than the first width. Otherconfigurations are also possible.

In embodiments having a cushion that is a composite structure that formsthe various stiffness regions using discrete separate pieces ofresilient material, the perimeters of the various stiffness regions canbe defined by the physical perimeters of the discrete separate pieces ofresilient material. In embodiments having a cushion that does notcomprise such discrete physical perimeters, such as the cushion 102 thatcomprises a lattice structure designed to exhibit different stiffnessesin different regions, the perimeters of the various stiffness regionscan be defined differently.

For example, the perimeters may be determined by testing the stiffnessof the cushion with a durometer at regularly spaced intervals across thesurface of the cushion (such as at 10 millimeter intervals). Areas thatexhibit stiffness values that are within 10% of one another may beconsidered stiffness regions, with transition zones being locatedbetween such regions. For a perimeter located between stiffness zones(e.g., perimeters 124 and 126), the perimeter may be defined as a linepositioned at a center of the transition zone (e.g., positioned suchthat distances from the perimeter to the edge of the transition zone oneither side of the perimeter, measured perpendicular to a line tangentto the perimeter, are equal). For a perimeter not located between twostiffness zones, the perimeter may be defined differently, such as byfollowing a physical border that defines a boundary of a stiffness zone.For example, perimeter 122 of region A in FIG. 2 is not located betweentwo stiffness zones. Perimeter 122 can comprise or be defined by thefollowing line segments: line 119 (which separates the rear portion 120from the nose portion 118 of the cushion), a line that follows the outerphysical perimeter of the cushion, and a line that follows the junctionbetween the top surface of the cushion and the recessed areas 114, 116.In embodiments similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2, but not includingrecessed regions 114, 116, the last line segment may be defined by thex-axis.

One example measurement technique to measure the stiffnesses of thevarious regions is to use a durometer having a spherical 0.200 inch(0.508 centimeter) diameter tip (such as a durometer commerciallyavailable as an ASKER® Durometer Type C), and to take measurements atuniformly spaced locations that are spaced 10 mm apart. Alternativetechniques may use uniformly spaced locations that are spaced adifferent distance apart, such as 5 mm or 15 mm. Further, alternativetechniques may use a different type of durometer.

In other examples, the perimeters may be determined by evaluating thematerial(s) and/or physical structure(s) (e.g., lattice structure(s)) ofthe cushion. For example, a portion of the cushion having the samematerial(s) and/or physical structure(s) (e.g., lattice structure(s)) ofa test specimen of known material(s) and/or physical structure(s) (e.g.,lattice structure(s)) and known stiffness can be defined as a particularregion of the cushion. In these embodiments, test specimens (e.g.,pucks) can be generated by producing specimens of one or more materialswith one or more physical structure(s) (e.g., lattice structure(s))using a same manufacturing method as would be used for the cushion.Stiffnesses of the test specimens can be determined in any suitablemanner, such as, for example, using a mechanical stiffness testingmachine such as a load frame. MTS Systems Corporation of Eden Prairie,Minn. provides an exemplary load frame that can be used to teststiffness of the test specimens. Accordingly, the perimeters can beidentified where changes in the material(s) and/or physical structure(s)(e.g., lattice structure(s)) of the cushion occur.

With respect to the level of stiffness in each region, region B cancomprise a stiffness that is greater than 50% and at most 75% of thestiffness of region A. Further, region C can comprise a stiffness thatis less than or equal to 50% of the stiffness of region A. In someembodiments, the stiffness of region A can be within a range of 50-70Asker C hardness.

In some embodiments, the stiffnesses of regions A, B, and C can be 60,40, and 30 Asker C hardness, respectively. In some embodiments, thestiffnesses of regions A, B, and C can be within the ranges of 57-63,38-42, and 28.5-31.5 Asker C hardness, respectively. In someembodiments, the stiffnesses of regions A, B, and C can be within theranges of 54-66, 36-44, and 27-33 Asker C hardness, respectively

The stiffness regions may take a variety of shapes. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, regions B and C are both generally a teardrop shape. Forexample, regions B and C both can be shaped such that they have alargest dimension (i.e., a maximum length) and a largest dimensionperpendicular to the maximum length (i.e., a maximum width), with themaximum length being greater than the maximum width, and such thatwidths (e.g., dimensions measured parallel to the maximum width) ofregions B and C taper from a larger value to a smaller value from arearward portion of the region to a forward portion of the region. Sucha shape can be desirable, because it can generally conform well to therider's sit bones. In other embodiments, the regions may be differentshapes. For example, one or more of the regions may comprise a teardropshape a circle, a rectangle, and/or the like. Further, the size ratiosof the shapes may be different. For example, the present teardrop shapesof regions B and C may be longer and narrower, shorter and wider,oriented at a different angle, and/or the like.

The stiffness regions may also be a variety of sizes. For example, thesurface area of region B (defined as the surface area surrounded byregion B's perimeter 124, less the surface area surrounded by region C'sperimeter 126), may be within a range of 1,000 mm² to 10,000 mm² in someembodiments, or within a range of 5,000 mm² to 15,000 mm² in someembodiments. The surface area of region C (defined as the surface areasurrounded by region C's perimeter 126) may be within a range of 25% to75% of the surface area of Region B in some embodiments. In someembodiments, the surface area of region C may be within a range of 750mm² to 1,750 mm². In some embodiments, the surface areas of regions A,B, and C can be within the ranges of 4,000-6,000 mm², 2,250-2,750 mm²,and 1,000-1,500 mm², respectively.

In some embodiments, the surface areas of regions A, B, and C can be6723, 2428, and 1214 mm², respectively. In some embodiments, the surfaceareas of regions A, B, and C can be within the ranges of 6386-7060,2306-2550, and 1153-1275 mm², respectively. In some embodiments, thesurface areas of regions A, B, and C can be within the ranges of6050-7060, 2306-2550, and 1153-1275 mm², respectively.

Relative size differences of the different stiffness regions may also beconsidered based on relative widths of the different stiffness regions.For example, an effective width of a stiffness region is defined for thepurposes of this specification as the length of the longest straightline that starts at a point on the stiffness region's perimeter, extendsinto the stiffness region, and ends when the straight line firstintersects another point on the stiffness region's perimeter or a pointon another stiffness region's perimeter. In some embodiments, theeffective width of region C can be within a range of 40%-70% of theeffective width of region B. In some embodiments, the effective width ofregion C can be within a range of 20%-50% of the effective width ofregion B. In some embodiments, the effective width of region C can beless than the effective width of region B. In some embodiments, theeffective width of region B can be within a range of 20%-50% of theeffective width of region A. In some embodiments, the effective width ofregion B can be within a range of 10%-40% of the effective width ofregion A. In some embodiments, the effective width of region B can beless than the effective width of region A.

As discussed above, the stiffness regions can be positioned such that apoint load will not be placed on the rider's sit bones. FIG. 2illustrates one positioning of regions B and C that has been found toaccomplish this. Other positionings may be utilized, however. In someembodiments, the centroid B_(C) of region B is located in thelongitudinal direction between the y-axis and line 119. The centroidB_(C) can be located in the lateral direction between lines 142 and 144.Line 142 is a line that is parallel to the longitudinal plane 111 andpositioned away from the x-axis by a distance equal to 15% of W/2. Line144 is a line that is parallel to the longitudinal plane 111 andpositioned away from the x-axis by a distance equal to 70% of W/2. W/2is half of dimension W, which is the dimension across the widest portionof the saddle.

In some embodiments, the centroid C_(C) of region C is located in thelongitudinal direction between the y-axis and line 146. Line 146 is aline that is positioned parallel to the y-axis and positioned away fromthe y-axis by a distance equal to 45% of L₁/2. In some embodiments, line146 is positioned 80 mm away from the y-axis. L₁ is the portion ofdimension L (the overall longitudinal length of the saddle 100) that ismeasured from the y-axis to the forward-most point of the saddle. Thecentroid Cc can be located in the lateral direction between lines 140and 144. Line 140 is a line oriented parallel to the longitudinal plane111 and spaced away from the x-axis by 10% of W/2.

In some embodiments, the length of the saddle L can be about 240 mm, andthe width of the saddle W can be about 143 mm or 155 mm. Otherembodiments may comprise a length L within a range of about 260-290 mm,or within a range of about 220-250 mm. Further, various embodiments maycomprise a width W within a range of about 125-170 mm.

In some embodiments, regardless of the positions of the centroids B_(C)and C_(C), region C will still remain enclosed by region B. Accordingly,as an example, if the centroid B_(C) for region B were movedsignificantly laterally outward, other parameters, such as therespective region sizes and/or the location of centroid C_(C) may bechanged to keep region C enclosed within region B.

In some embodiments, the positions of the centroids B_(C) and C_(C) canbe (17, 30) and (17, 30), respectively (with the coordinates given as(x, y) coordinates in millimeters, with the origin being the position inFIG. 2 where the x- and y-axes cross. In some embodiments, the positionsof the centroids B_(C) and C_(C) can be within the ranges of(16.15-17.85, 28.5-31.5) and (16.15-17.85, 28.5-31.5), respectively. Insome embodiments, the positions of the centroids B_(C) and C_(C) can bewithin the ranges of (15.3-18.7, 27-33) and (15.3-18.7, 27-33),respectively. In some embodiments, both centroids B_(C) and C_(C) arepositioned longitudinally away from the y-axis by at least 15 mm and nomore than 35 mm in the positive-x direction. In some embodiments, RegionA comprises a centroid with a position of (10, 40). In some embodiments,the position of Region A's centroid is within a range of (9.5-10.5,38-42). In some embodiments, the position of Region A's centroid iswithin a range of (9-11, 36-44).

Bicycle

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the saddle 100 of FIG. 2 in use with afull bicycle 500. The bicycle 500 comprises a frame 560 having rotatablycoupled thereto a front wheel 562 and a rear wheel 564. The bicycle 500further comprises a pedal crank assembly 566 configured to enable arider to power the rear wheel 564. The saddle 100 is coupled to thebicycle 500 at an upper end of a saddle post 568 (e.g., a saddlereceiver). Other bicycle frames may also be used with the saddle 100.

3D Printing Technology

As discussed above, the cushion 102 shown in FIG. 1 may be producedusing 3-D printing technology. 3-D printing is a form of additivemanufacturing that generally forms a product one layer at a time. Forexample, in some 3-D printing technologies, a polymer filament is heatedand extruded through an extruder. The extruder and/or the work surfaceare moved along the x- and y-axes to extrude a single layer of theproduct. After one layer is extruded, the extruder and/or the worksurface are moved with respect to one another along the z-axis by asmall increment. The next layer is then added, and the process repeatsuntil a finished product is produced. Such a process could be used toform the cushion 102.

As another example, in some 3-D printing technologies, a bath of resinis provided, and portions of that resin bath are solidified layer bylayer, using light projection, until the final shape of the finishedproduct is produced. One such commercially available technology isDIGITAL LIGHT SYNTHESIS™ technology provided by CARBON®. More detailsabout this technology can be found in an article titled CARBON LATTICEINNOVATION—THE ADIDAS® STORY, located athttps://www.carbon3d.com/white-papers/carbon-lattice-innovation-the-adidas-story/,the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. The CARBONLATTICE INNOVATION article describes how the DIGITAL LIGHT SYNTHESIS™technology was used to print a shoe midsole that has varying cushioningproperties based on variations in the lattice structure. Similartechnology can be applied to the present saddle designs, to produce asaddle having varying stiffness regions based on variations in thelattice structure.

Various figures provided herewith of the cushion 102 illustrate some ofthe lattice structure in this cushion. For example, with reference toFIG. 1, a lattice structure can be seen within the recessed regions 114,116. Further, the views of FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate some of the latticestructure of the cushion 102. As discussed above, the specific structureof the lattice structure (e.g., strut sizes and spacing, opening sizingand spacing, and/or the like) can be computer-generated by software thatgenerates such a structure based on a defined set of input parameters,such as the desired stiffnesses in various regions.

When the cushion 102 is 3-D printed, the cushion can comprise a blend ofUV curable resin and elastomeric polyurethane. Other materials may beused, however, provided they are capable of meeting the stiffnessrequirements disclosed herein.

The concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the 3-D printed latticestructures produced by CARBON®, however. For example, other 3-D printedprocesses may be used, or non-3-D printed processes may be used.Further, as discussed above, the varying stiffness regions of saddlesdisclosed herein may be generated through use of a composite cushionformed of more than one rubber or foam each having different stiffnessproperties.

Additional Description

Various modifications to the implementations described in thisdisclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and thegeneric principles defined herein may be applied to otherimplementations without departing from the spirit or scope of thisdisclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to theimplementations shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel featuresdisclosed herein.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the contextof separate implementations also can be implemented in combination in asingle implementation. Conversely, various features that are describedin the context of a single implementation also can be implemented inmultiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub combination.Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a sub combination.

In describing the present technology, the following terminology may havebeen used: The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, forexample, reference to an item includes reference to one or more items.The term “ones” refers to one, two, or more, and generally applies tothe selection of some or all of a quantity. The term “plurality” refersto two or more of an item. The term “about” means quantities,dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes and othercharacteristics need not be exact, but may be approximated and/or largeror smaller, as desired, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversionfactors, rounding off, measurement error and the like and other factorsknown to those of skill in the art. The term “substantially” means thatthe recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achievedexactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example,tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations andother factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amountsthat do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended toprovide. Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a rangeformat. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merelyfor convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly toinclude not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limitsof the range, but also interpreted to include all of the individualnumerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if eachnumerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration,a numerical range of “about 1 to 5” should be interpreted to include notonly the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but alsoinclude individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range.Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2,3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as 1-3, 2-4 and 3-5, etc. This sameprinciple applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value (e.g.,“greater than about 1”) and should apply regardless of the breadth ofthe range or the characteristics being described. A plurality of itemsmay be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these listsshould be construed as though each member of the list is individuallyidentified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual memberof such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any othermember of the same list solely based on their presentation in a commongroup without indications to the contrary. Furthermore, where the terms“and” and “or” are used in conjunction with a list of items, they are tobe interpreted broadly, in that any one or more of the listed items maybe used alone or in combination with other listed items. The term“alternatively” refers to selection of one of two or more alternatives,and is not intended to limit the selection to only those listedalternatives or to only one of the listed alternatives at a time, unlessthe context clearly indicates otherwise.

1. A bicycle saddle comprising: a base structure comprising a topportion and a first rail and a second rail that support the top portion,wherein each of the first rail and the second rail comprises a mountingportion configured to be coupled to a saddle receiver, the mountingportion extending along a rail axis, the rail axis of the first rail andthe rail axis of the second rail defining a lateral plane that containsboth the rail axis of the first rail and the rail axis of the secondrail and a longitudinal plane that is perpendicular to the lateral planeand centered between the rail axis of the first rail and the rail axisof the second rail; and a cushion coupled to the top portion of the basestructure, the cushion comprising a nose portion and a rear portion, thecushion further comprising a first lateral side and a second lateralside separated by the longitudinal plane, wherein each of the firstlateral side and the second lateral side comprises: a first regioncomprising a first stiffness; a second region comprising a secondstiffness that is less than or equal to 75% of the first stiffness, butgreater than 50% of the first stiffness; and a third region comprising athird stiffness that is less than or equal to 50% of the firststiffness, wherein, when a top surface of the cushion is projected as atwo-dimensional projection onto a plane above the cushion that isparallel to the lateral plane, the first region, the second region, andthe third region of each of the first lateral side and the secondlateral side is configured such that: a perimeter of the second regionis at least 75% enclosed within the first region, a perimeter of thethird region is at least 75% enclosed within the second region, acentroid of the second region is positioned longitudinally between afirst line that is perpendicular to the longitudinal plane andintersects a widest point of the rear portion of the cushion, and asecond line that is perpendicular to the longitudinal plane andpositioned halfway between the first line and a forward-most point ofthe nose portion of the cushion, the centroid of the second region ispositioned laterally between a third line that is parallel to thelongitudinal plane and a fourth line that is parallel to thelongitudinal plane, wherein each of the third line and the fourth linepasses through the first region, the third line being spaced apart fromthe longitudinal plane by a distance that is 15% of a distance from thelongitudinal plane to the widest point of the rear portion of thecushion, the fourth line being spaced apart from the longitudinal planeby a distance that is 70% of the distance from the longitudinal plane tothe widest point of the rear portion of the cushion, a centroid of thethird region is positioned longitudinally between the first line and afifth line that is positioned between the first line and the secondline, the fifth line being spaced apart from the first line by adistance that is 45% of a distance from the first line to theforward-most point of the nose portion of the cushion, the centroid ofthe third region is positioned laterally between a sixth line that isparallel to the longitudinal plane and the fourth line, wherein thesixth line passes through the first region and is spaced apart from thelongitudinal plane by a distance that is 10% of the distance from thelongitudinal plane to the widest point of the rear portion of thecushion, the perimeter of the third region encloses a first surfacearea, the perimeter of the second region encloses a second surface area,wherein a size of the second surface area, minus a size of the firstsurface area, is between 1,000 mm² and 10,000 mm², and wherein the sizeof the first surface area is between 25% and 75% of the size of thesecond surface area.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The bicycle saddle of claim 1,wherein the cushion is an assembly that comprises separate resilientmaterials having different stiffness properties for the first region,the second region, and the third region.
 4. The bicycle saddle of claim3, wherein each of the separate resilient materials comprises a foam. 5.The bicycle saddle of claim 1, wherein the first region, the secondregion, and the third region are part of a single integrally formedstructure, the single integrally formed structure comprising differentstiffness properties in the first region, the second region, and thethird region.
 6. The bicycle saddle of claim 1, wherein a shape of theperimeter of the second region comprises a maximum length and widthsincluding a maximum width, with the maximum length being greater thanthe maximum width, and with the widths tapering from a larger value to asmaller value from a rearward portion of the second region to a forwardportion of the second region.
 7. The bicycle saddle of claim 6, whereina shape of the perimeter of the third region comprises a maximum lengthand widths including a maximum width, with the maximum length beinggreater than the maximum width, and with the widths tapering from alarger value to a smaller value from a rearward portion of the thirdregion to a forward portion of the third region.
 8. The bicycle saddleof claim 1, wherein the perimeter of the second region is completelyenclosed within the first region.
 9. The bicycle saddle of claim 1,wherein the perimeter of the third region is completely enclosed withinthe second region.
 10. The bicycle saddle of claim 1, wherein the firststiffness is within a range of 50-70 on the Asker C hardness scale. 11.The bicycle saddle of claim 1, wherein, when the top surface of thecushion is projected as the two-dimensional projection, a surface areaof the first region consists of any portion of the top surface that isnot part of the second region, that is not part of the third region, andthat is bounded by a perimeter defined by multiple segments comprising:a first segment that begins at a point where the second line intersectsthe longitudinal plane and ends at a point where the second lineintersects an outer edge of the cushion, the first segment beingcollinear to the second line; a second segment that begins at the pointwhere the second line intersects the outer edge of the cushion, followsa profile of the outer edge of the cushion, and ends at a point wherethe outer edge of the cushion intersects the longitudinal plane; and athird segment that begins at the point where the outer edge of thecushion intersects the longitudinal plane, ends at the point where thesecond line intersects the longitudinal plane, the third segment beingcoincident to the longitudinal plane.
 12. The bicycle saddle of claim11, wherein the cushion comprises one or more recessed regions that arerecessed below the top surface of the cushion and that are not part ofthe surface area of the first region.
 13. The bicycle saddle of claim 1,wherein each of the first stiffness, the second stiffness, and the thirdstiffness is defined as an average stiffness as measured normal to thetop surface of the cushion at uniformly spaced locations across acorresponding region of the first region, the second region, and thethird region, using a durometer having a 0.508 centimeter sphericaldiameter indenter.
 14. The bicycle saddle of claim 13, wherein adjacentuniformly spaced locations of the uniformly spaced locations are located10 millimeters apart from each other.
 15. The bicycle saddle of claim 1,wherein, when the top surface of the cushion is projected as thetwo-dimensional projection, each of the first lateral side and thesecond lateral side further comprises: a first transition zone having anouter perimeter and an inner perimeter defined by offsetting theperimeter of the second region outward by 5 millimeters and inward by 5millimeters; and a second transition zone having an outer perimeter andan inner perimeter defined by offsetting the perimeter of the thirdregion outward by 5 millimeters and inward by 5 millimeters, whereineach of the second stiffness and the third stiffness is defined as anaverage stiffness as measured normal to the top surface of the cushionat uniformly spaced locations across a corresponding region of thesecond region and the third region, excluding any transition zones,using a durometer having a 0.508 centimeter spherical diameter indenter.16. The bicycle saddle of claim 15, wherein adjacent uniformly spacedlocations of the uniformly spaced locations are located 10 millimetersapart from each other.
 17. The bicycle saddle of claim 1, wherein theperimeter of the second region and the perimeter of the third regionboth are located rearward of the nose portion of the cushion, wherein arearmost extent of the nose portion is defined by the second line.
 18. Abicycle saddle comprising: a base structure comprising a top portion;and a cushion coupled to the top portion of the base structure, thecushion comprising a nose portion, a rear portion, and a longitudinalplane positioned at a lateral midpoint of a widest point of the cushion,the longitudinal plane extending from a rear of the rear portion to afront of the nose portion, wherein the cushion further comprises a firstlateral side and a second lateral side separated by the longitudinalplane, wherein each of the first lateral side and the second lateralside comprises: a first region comprising a first stiffness; a secondregion comprising a second stiffness that is less than the firststiffness; and a third region comprising a third stiffness that is lessthan the second stiffness, wherein, when a top surface of the cushion isprojected as a two-dimensional projection onto a lateral plane, thefirst region, second region, and third region of each of the firstlateral side and the second lateral side are configured such that: aperimeter of the second region is at least 75% enclosed within the firstregion, and a perimeter of the third region is at least 75% enclosedwithin the second region, and wherein the lateral plane is perpendicularto the longitudinal plane, and the lateral plane is oriented such thatone of: the lateral plane is coincident with a highest point of the noseportion of the cushion and a highest point of the rear portion of thecushion, or the lateral plane is parallel to two rail axes, each of thetwo rail axes being defined by a mounting portion of a rail thatsupports the top portion of the base structure.
 19. The bicycle saddleof claim 18, wherein the second stiffness of the second region is nogreater than 75% of the first stiffness of the first region.
 20. Thebicycle saddle of claim 18, wherein the third stiffness of the thirdregion is no greater than 50% of the first stiffness of the firstregion.
 21. The bicycle saddle of claim 18, wherein a surface area of atop surface of the third region is between 25% and 75% of a surface areaof a top surface of the second region.
 22. The bicycle saddle of claim18, wherein the perimeter of the second region extends no furtherforward than half a longitudinal distance between the widest point ofthe cushion and the front of the nose portion.
 23. A bicycle saddlecomprising: a base structure comprising a top portion; and a cushioncoupled to the top portion of the base structure, the cushion comprisinga nose portion and a rear portion, the cushion further comprising afirst lateral side and a second lateral side separated by a longitudinalplane defined by a plane of symmetry between the first lateral side andthe second lateral side, wherein a lateral plane is defined as a planethat is perpendicular to the longitudinal plane and oriented such thatthe lateral plane is coincident with a highest point of the nose portionof the cushion and a highest point of the rear portion of the cushion,wherein each of the first lateral side and the second lateral sidecomprises: a first region comprising a first stiffness; a second regioncomprising a second stiffness that is less than or equal to 75% of thefirst stiffness, but greater than 50% of the first stiffness; and athird region comprising a third stiffness that is less than or equal to50% of the first stiffness, wherein, when a top surface of the cushionis projected as a two-dimensional projection onto the lateral plane, thefirst region, second region, and third region of each of the firstlateral side and the second lateral side is configured such that: aperimeter of the second region is at least 75% enclosed within the firstregion, a perimeter of the third region is at least 75% enclosed withinthe second region, a centroid of the second region is positionedlongitudinally between a first line that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal plane and intersects a widest point of the rear portion ofthe cushion, and a second line that is perpendicular to the longitudinalplane and positioned halfway between the first line and a forward-mostpoint of the nose portion of the cushion, the centroid of the secondregion is positioned laterally between a third line that is parallel tothe longitudinal plane and a fourth line that is parallel to thelongitudinal plane, wherein each of the third line and the fourth linepasses through the first region, the third line being spaced apart fromthe longitudinal plane by a distance that is 15% of a distance from thelongitudinal plane to the widest point of the rear portion of thecushion, the fourth line being spaced apart from the longitudinal planeby a distance that is 70% of the distance from the longitudinal plane tothe widest point of the rear portion of the cushion, a centroid of thethird region is positioned longitudinally between the first line and afifth line that is positioned between the first line and the secondline, the fifth line being spaced apart from the first line by adistance that is 45% of a distance from the first line to theforward-most point of the nose portion of the cushion, the centroid ofthe third region is positioned laterally between a sixth line that isparallel to the longitudinal plane and the fourth line, wherein thesixth line passes through the first region and is spaced apart from thelongitudinal plane by a distance that is 10% of the distance from thelongitudinal plane to the widest point of the rear portion of thecushion, the perimeter of the third region encloses a first surfacearea, the perimeter of the second region encloses a second surface area,wherein a size of the second surface area, minus a size of the firstsurface area, is between 1,000 mm² and 10,000 mm², and wherein the sizeof the first surface area is between 25% and 75% of the size of thesecond surface area.